White Bumps on Gum, Causes, Hard Lump, Near Tooth, Small, Hurts, No Pain, Pictures & Treatment

White bumps on gum, should this be a cause of worry? Bumps on gums mostly appear as hard small lumps with pain or no pain. To have more understanding of this, please read through to know more about the causes, treatment and how to reduce the pain causing bumps near tooth.

White bumps on gums can be as a result of many different causes. The most common causes are infection, injury or cankers sore. Other causes include oral herpes, oral thrush or dental abscesses. In most cases, white bumps can be confused with tooth cavity and sensitivity. Early medication and treatment is advised since the bumps could result into a serious health complication.

Pimple-like Bump on Gum
Pimple-like Bump on Gum

It is very important to maintain high levels of dental hygiene. Brushing your mouth after meals and visiting a dentist once in a while is very important. You should also take great consideration in the type of toothpaste and mouth wash you use to avoid allergic reaction.

What are the symptoms of white lump on gum

How do you know you have white bumps on gums? The best way to confirm white bumps on gums is have your dentist look at your gums. Otherwise, what you need to watch out for are following changes in your mouth. Check out for;

  • Red patches with white borders
  • Redness of the mucus membrane in mouth
  • Peeling gums
  • White bumps on tongue
  • Ulcers in mouth

Though the symptoms may change depending with what the actual cause of the bumps are, the most common symptom of the white bumps on gums and mouth may include the once listed above. So be in the watch out and visit see you dentist as soon as possible.

What causes bumps on gums?

What are the cause of white bumps on gums? The causes of white lumps on gums vary from person to person. The most common cause has been found to be injury, this is the mucus membrane is externally damaged, that is the harm is done by you. You can do this using sharp objects such as toothpick or with your nails.

The other causes are infection and canker sore that we shall discus below. It is very important to note that, having white bumps on gums is not an infection on itself, but a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Seek medical treatment as soon as you notice these changes.

1. Canker sore on gums

“Are cankers sores a sign of cancer? I have had this sore in my gums for a week now, and they do not seem to go away, I have tried over the counter antibiotics but they do not seem to help. What do I need now to get rid of the lumps?”

Canker sore sometimes called Aphthous ulcer are opening and painful sore that are found in the gums. It is the most common type of mouth ulcers. It may attack the lips, the inside cheek and at times the tongue. This must be the most likely cause of the white bumps on tongue.

Image of White Bump on Gum Above Tooth
Image of White Bump on Gum Above Tooth

You do not need to worry about canker sore. They are not harmful and most type are not continuous. It possible for you to have simple sore, which appear once or twice in a year. The most severe form of canker sores are those that attack those that had the sores before. Many a times canker sore can be confused with cold sores. The best way to distinguish the two is that, whereas canker sore attacks the inside of mouth, cold sore are external, and attack the lips.

The cause of canker sores is not known, over time, stress and tissue injury has been found to be the main cause of simple canker sore. Some foods such as citrus and acidic food can trigger canker sores and worsen the pain and irritation. Toothbrush braces and dental dentures can also worsen the condition. Complex canker sore, can be attributed to an underlying health condition. This condition could include, weak immune system, nutritional problem (vitamin B-12 deficiency) or gastrointestinal track disease such as celiac disease.

Canker Sores in Mouth and Gums
Canker Sores in Mouth and Gums

For minor canker sore, simple remedy maybe done. The sore may after a week go away on their own even without having to treat them. Otherwise for large, persistent and very painful sores that fail to go away immediate medical attention may be required. Over the counter and prescription products such as pastes, creams and gels can be helpful when applied to individual sores. You should try Benzocaine, Hydrogen peroxide or Fluocinonide (Fluonex, Lonide and Vanos)

2. Small white bumps on gums herpes

Oral herpes is a common infection of the mouth area. It attacks the lips, inside of mouth, the roof of mouth and the gums. Herpes in gum is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). In the United States, the infection is more prevalent to those age between 20- 30 years. Once infected, the virus becomes dormant in the body tissue for some time, then becomes active again causing cold sores.

A different type of herpes virus, Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) causes’ genital herpes, but this could also affect the mouth and cause white bumps on gums through oral sex. Oral herpes is a very contagious infection. It could spread through close contact with an infected person, touching an infected object such as toothbrush.

Small White Bump on Gum
Small White Bump on Gum

For most people mouth ulcers are the first sign of HSV-1 infection, it is also common for other people to experience this kind of symptoms. The symptoms can be mild to severe, and often appear within one to three weeks. You need to seek immediate medical attention when you notice the following signs;

  • Itching on lips and around the mouth
  • Burning sensation around lips
  • Blisters on lips and inside mouth
  • Sore throats
  • Swollen glands

The symptoms may go away on their own without any medical attention. However, you could try the following medication to fight the virus. It could also be helpful in reducing the pain and speed the healing process. The medicine include Famciclovir, Valacyovir and Acyclovir.

Apart from treating the sores caused by the virus, you could try the following to prevent the mouth sores in the first place;

  • Apply sunblock and lip balm before being exposed to sun rays.
  • Apply moisturizing creams on lips
  • Wash towels with hot water after use
  • If possible avoid oral sex

3. Gum abscess

“I popped a painful sore on my gum today and a lot of pus and blood came out, what are these sore on my gum? Does this mean I have oral cancer? How do I get rid of the white bumps on gum?”

A dental abscess sometime called tooth abscess occurs when there is a collection of pus forming inside teeth or gums. The cause of this accumulation is a bacterial which result in painful sores on the surface of the gums. You need to see a dentist as soon as possible. Gum abscess do not go away on their own and they may spread to other parts of the body making you ill.

The symptoms to look out for are;

  • Pain that spread to the ear
  • Swelling and redness in face
  • Loose of teeth
  • Sensitivity
  • Bad breath or unpleasant test inside mouth.

The best treatment will be given by your dentist, otherwise, over the counter painkillers may help relieve the pain. Ibuprofen and paracetamols are good for adults, Aspirin should be given to kid under the age of 16 years. Your dentist may also prescribe the following procedure, depending with what part of the gum the abscess has affected. You may have to

  • Extract the affected tooth
  • Treatment of the root canal
  • Incision and drainage of the bumps to get the pus out.

4. Bump on gums after root canal

Though not common, it is very possible for you to get white bumps on tongue after a root canal. The bumps starts a pimple, then grow to lump or an abscess. With time the lumps is filled with pus and may get painful and cause your teeth to be sensitive.

East Cost endodontic say that a bump on gum after a root canal is a sign of effective healing process, therefore you need to wary about this. The bump will simple clear own its own with no medical attention given. If the pain persists and the lump fails to go away, then you need to report this to your dentist as soon as possible.

Home remedies will help relieve the pain and speed the healing process of getting rid of the bumps. Try a salty water rinse, baking soda wash can also be helpful its anti-inflammatory properties finally you could buy some antibiotics over the counter.

5. Oral thrush

Also known as oral candidiasis, oral thrush is a medical condition in which the fungus- Candida albicana    accumulate on the mucus lining in the mouth. The fungus over grows and start to show visible symptoms such as creamy white lesions on tongue, inner lining and the gum.

Even though oral thrush can affect anybody regardless of age, it is more common in babies, the elderly and the people with weak immune system and other chronic health condition such as cancer, HIV/AIDS and blood pressure. The symptoms of this condition can range from mild to a more severe condition to even control and treat. For healthy people, the condition is not that serious but early diagnosis and treatment is advised.

Depending with how strong your immune system is, treatment option for white bumps on gums due to oral thrush can be prescribed as follows;

  • Fluconazole, this is a strong antifungal medication
  • Nystatin, an antifungal mouthwash that helps dry the ruptured sores and reduce itching caused by the bumps. The procedure of use is, you wash your mouth with it and wait for some min before you swallow it.
  • Clotrimazole lozenge, also an antifungal that dissolve in your mouth when swallowed.

6. Oral psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that starts under the skin. It is a long lasting disease of the immune system that can range from mild to severe if no early treatment options are taken. Oral psoriasis affects the torso and extremities. I causes lesion and sores on the inner lining of the mouth and may result in white bumps on gums. The Journal of Dermatological Case report start that it most often appear as red spots and flaky regions on the lips before it can appear anywhere else

According to the European Journal of General dentistry, oral psoriasis can manifest as general tongue lesions, form of yellow or red spots, whitish area or semitransparent plaques. With oral psoriasis, sores can appear on the mouths roof, inside the cheeks or the lips as well. It is not common for the disease to affect the gum. You need to see your dentist to avoid the spread of the infection to other parts of the body.

You need to be in the watch out for the following symptoms,

  • Red patches with white borders
  • Redness of the mucus membrane in mouth
  • Peeling gums
  • White bumps on tongue

7. Ulcers in mouth

The treatment option of oral psoriasis include oral medication and injection. Your doctor may prescribe oral medication such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, Apremilast and many other. A disease flare is caused when oral prednisone is used in the treatment of oral psoriasis.

8. Oral cancer

Oral cancer or gum cancer start when a tumor develops on the lining of the gums. This happens when the cell in the mouth and the gums in particular changes in the structure of their DNA. It is this mutation in the structure that allows the cancer to grow and spread. The result of this is most of the time peeling of the mucus membrane and white bumps on tongue and gums.

What cause the mutation is not currently known, but over time doctors and researchers have identified possible factors that could increase the chance of one having oral cancer. The factors are;

  • Alcohol addiction
  • Continuous use of tobacco products
  • Weak immune system
  • Attack by HPV

When to see a doctor. You need to see a doctor as soon as you notice the following.

  • Sore that fail to heal or go away
  • White patches on gum increase
  • Lump start to appear in neck and throat.
  • Bleeding from the mouth
  • Loose of teeth
  • Pain and difficulties in swallowing food
  • Unexplained hair and weight loss

The treatment and medication of oral cancer starts with a physical examination, this will establish the stage and type of cancer you are suffering from.  Early treatment will involve surgery to remove the tumor and avoid it spreading to other parts. The other option will be a radiation therapy which involves use of radiation beam directed at the tumor for some time to kill the cancerous cell in the gum.

The other option will be chemotherapy. This involves the use of cancer drugs. The medication can either be oral or through an injection. Depending with what stage of cancer you are (advanced or early stage) your doctor will either provide one or a combination of the above mentioned treatment option.

Painful white bumps on gums

Have you had your gums pain as a result of white bumps? If this is the case you need to see a dentist. Your gum is among the most soft and sensitive part of the body.  The common cause for the gums to pain is when you have a mouth infection, most commonly, oral psoriasis.

Painful Bump on Gum
Painful Bump on Gum

Oral psoriasis, attacks the mucus membrane that lines your mouth. When this happens, the lining start to peel off and resulting in small hard bumps along the tongue, and the gums. With time, the lumps raptures and develops into sores and blisters which becomes very painful when they came in contact with fluids and food particles.

To ease this kind of pain, you can gargle with salty water or apple cider vinegar. This will help in drying the sores and alleviating the irritation.  You could also get same painkillers over the counter and the pain will reduce, before you can visit the dentist.

White bumps on gum no pain

I have white bumps on gum, they do not pain but are irritating and makes it hard for me to take hot drinks and foods. Having lumps on your gums can be a painful experience. In many occurrence, the bumps are harmless, but you need to see your dentist if this changes start to show up. Early treatment and diagnosis is key in making sure the sore do not appear on your tongue and the mucus membrane lining your mouth and throat.

The lumps on gums start as small hard bumps, as times goes by, with no medication and treatment. This lead to the sores growing big, as you keep brushing your mouth, the sores may rupture and cause you to feel pain.

The rupture may also be as a result of the teeth grinding the gums or the reaction between hard foods such as fries.

White bumps on baby’s gum

My baby has been crying for some time now, the lips are dry and the mouth seems to be peeling off. The gums are infected and there are small white bumps on the surface. What could these be?

When your child has bumps or small sore on the gum, this could be a source of pain and discomfort to both you and the child. When this happens, you need to visit a pediatrician as soon as possible. Most of the infection for children happen from the mouth. It could mean your child has an oral thrush or cankers sores or just an injury from playing with sharp objects.

Establishing the actual cause of the white bumps on gum is the first step in trying to figure out the best way to get rid of the lumps. For small children below 8 years, you could try waxing the gum with coconut oil or raw honey to help dry the sores and alleviates the pain by reducing the contact between them and the teeth.

Hard white lump on gums near tooth

Does the lumps on the gums feel hard when touched? What makes them hard?  Could this be a sign of oral cancer? In many cases, the structure and appearance of bumps on gums is dependent on what the cause are. The color of the lumps would vary from reddish, grayish all the way to whitish. The size on the other hand would be small 0.5mm to big one of around 2mm. the other aspect of the lump would be the texture, some would be tough when touch with the fingers whereas other may appear tender and soft when felt.

In many case, a hard white lump on gum would likely be as a result of sexually transmitted infection, the more common culprit of this would either be chlamydia, Gonorrhea or HIV/AIDS. When these are the cause, you would expect other symptoms such as;

  • Cracking of the mouth lining
  • Peeling of the mucus membrane
  • Dry and cracked lips
  • You should also expect loss of test

Please visit your health care provider for early diagnosis and treatment. This will be helpful in abetting future infection and making sure you do not transmit the infection to other people

Treatment for white bumps on gums

Have you had your mouth hurt due to small, hard white bumps on gums? What are some of the things you  need to do to get rid of the lumps and the sore that seem to be so painful that you cannot eat your food in peace?

Once your gums are infected and they start developing painful sore, this should be a cause of worry. Your mouth is such an important part of your that when it get infected, it could lead to infection of the other body parts. The best thing you need to do is visit a health care provider who will diagnose the symptoms and get to the root off what is actually causing the infection.

In many a times, the best way to treating the bumps on gum is treating the medical cause bringing the sore. As explained earlier, the common cause of the lumps on gum are injury, infection and canker sores on gums. Cancer has also been found to be a cause of the lumps to.

To ease the pain, you could gargle your mouth with salty water to dry the sore and speed the healing process. Otherwise, simple over the counter painkillers and antibiotics will be helpful in alleviating the pain before you finally visit a dentist. Maintaining high dental hygiene and regular visit to the dentist is key in avoid this in the future.

How to get rid of white bumps on gums-natural remedy

How can I get rid of white bumps on gums from home? It is important to note that the best way of getting rid of the bumps is treating the underlying cause of the bumps in the first place. White bumps on gums is not an infection on its own. Lumps on gums are a symptom of an underlying medical or health complication. Apart from the antibiotics and painkillers you could easily reduce the pain and speed up the healing process by following same of the simple home remedies below.

Be warned, the following remedy will only help reduce the pain, irritation and help dry the ruptured sore. The remedies do not treat the cause of the lumps, you need to seek the help of a dentist or a general health practitioner as soon as you can. Otherwise;

a) Use Aloe Vera to rinse your mouth

Since time immemorial, aloe Vera has been considered a medicine and used among different communities all around the world. Aloe Vera has a lot of anti-inflammatory, anti-itching and lots of antibacterial property important in healing very many skin infection. When used on ruptured sore, aloe Vera can help speed the healing process at the same time reducing bleeding of the gums.

To make the remedy, simply mix aloe Vera gel in a cup of water, swish the mixture over the sores three times a day after meals to ease the pain and speed the healing process.

b) Chamomile tea

Chamomile has been used in the United States and around the world as a herb to heal stomach upsets or induce sleep. Chamomile also help in promoting relaxation. All this is made possible as a result of a chemical compound with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties found the chamomile plant.

When used on white bumps on gums, chamomile will help reduce the pain cause by the ruptured sores and also help in speeding up the healing and getting rid of the lumps. To prepare the remedy you will need to have and do the following;

  • a tea bag of chamomile or a tea spoon of dried flowers wrapped in a clean cloth
  • Fresh drinking water.
  • Soak the tea bag in water for 3 minute
  • After soaking place it directly against the sores for 5 minutes
  • Repeat this twice daily for optimal results

c) Coconut oil

Coconut oil is rich in anti-inflammatories, antimicrobial and generally healthy when eaten. It is the best remedy for getting rid of canker sore causing white bumps on tongue, peeling inside mouth and white bumps on gums. All you need to prepare this remedy is a fresh coconut fruit.

To prepare the remedy you will need to follow the procedure below.

  • Dab a moderate amount of coconut oil using a swab onto the sores.
  • An alternative is, you can put a considerate amount of coconut oil in your mouth and leave it for 10 minutes before throwing it out
  • Repeat this twice daily till the peeling and the white bumps on tongue disappear.

d) Use raw Honey

For many years now, people have been using raw honey to cure most of health complication at home. Honey can be very helpful when treating simple coughing and sore throats. Honey has antibacterial properties and potential anti-inflammatory qualities.

Raw organic honey thus makes an excellent soothing coating for sore throats and canker sores in your mouth. If honey is placed on the white bumps on tongue it could help relieve the pain and speed in the healing process all together.

All you need to do is, swish some warm water in your mouth, then apply a thick layer of raw organic honey, you can do this with your fingers or a spoon. Let the coating last for around 10 minutes, before rinsing it out. Do this twice in a day and the result will be optimal.

e) Use Wax to cap the sores and reduce contact with teeth

For sore that keep rubbing against you teeth or are irritated by the dentures, putting a little wax “capping” over the surface of the sores can really reduce the irritating friction. You need to make the wax thicker enough so that it does not just get around the brace and stuck

Simply do the following and you will be good to go;

  • Melt down a beeswax and coconut oil and allow them to mix
  • Allow the mixture to cool
  • Gently press dollop over the edge of the teeth to prevent the sores from rubbing

Sources and references

5 COMMENTS

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